| Popis: |
Cannabis includes several species, the popular ones being Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabinoids are chemicals either derived from cannabis (phytocannabinoids) like cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); synthetic medications like nabilone, dronabinol, and rimonabant; or endogenous chemicals that stimulate cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids have shown increasing evidence for analgesic effects in several studies and systematic reviews for acute and chronic pain (Meng et al. Anesth Analg. 125(5):1638–52, 2017) along with signs of becoming a potential alternative to combat opioid abuse (Olfson et al. Am J Psychiatry. 175(1):47–53, 2018). Phytocannabinoids are natural products derived from cannabis either interacting directly with cannabinoid receptors or sharing chemical similarity with endocannabinoids or both. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) are among the most studied phytocannabinoids. THC is the main psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. Routes of administration (ROA) of THC range from vaporizing (inhalation), oral spray, edibles, other oromucosal/sublingual routes (e.g., capsules, oils, lozenges), transdermal topicals (cannabis-infused lotions, balms, oils), intravenous routes (syringe) to rectal routes (suppositories). Their applied pharmacology and pharmacokinetics differ greatly between different ROA. THC produces pharmacological effects ranging from cognitive changes and psychoactive, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, bronchodilatory, anti-spasmodic, and muscle relaxant activities. It is also associated with side effects like anxiety, impaired memory, and immunosuppression. Further research and human studies are required to validate the role of THC for medicinal purposes. |
